Ode to the Butterball Turkey

by Eileen Sateriale
(Methuen, MA)

It's a Thursday in November,
on a day Americans give thanks.
For one day, the Butterball
turkey joins our culinary ranks.

Early in the morning, before
the kitchen gets cluttered,
the plump turkey is rinsed,
seasoned, stuffed and buttered.

Into the empty, heated oven
goes this monster of a bird.
"Turkey with all the trimmings"
are everyone's favorite words.

On the television, the ballooned
parade is now in full swing.
The youngest ones cry dibs
for stuffing, legs and wings.

When the turkey's finally cooked,
they'll get Daddy to carve.
They've waited quite a while,
but no one will say they'll starve.

The guests have arrived
All the food's to the table.
They try to eat all they can,
that is, those who are able.